Official Luthiers Forum!

I’m using MDF for my mold. My question is this ... when I cut the material for the mold can I use the leftover scrap for my side bending jig. It would seem if I cut right on the line and am very accurate that this should work and save some money. Or should I quit being cheap and just use the scrap for spreaders inside the mold. Thanks for your help. I have been a woodworker all my life (just retired) but this is my first guitar.

Sure, you can do that.

If your cut is right on. Many luthiers (not all) unlike cabinet makers cut close and sand. But that only gives one either a mold or bending form. Otherwise it is a great idea.

_________________
http://www.Harvestmoonguitars.com

That is exactly what I do. Each time I start a new size/shape I make the bending and building molds at the same time. I might run around each with an oscillating sander to compensate for the thickness of the side wood but it probably isn't necessary if you cut carefully. Fwiw I bolt the four pieces together with flathead bolts and cut them together

That’s exactly what I was thinking. I’m assuming you cut those all on your bandsaw. Can you share with me the blade that you used. Width and the teeth per inch please.

I frankly don't remember and those pictures are several years old. I normally have a 1/4 blade in the old saw, don't know how many teeth. I could probably go look but its kind of my generic do everything blade. I am fairly careful about setting the saw up before I use it - its a piece of junk old Craftsman that I bought for 50 bucks at a yard sale but its made a lot of guitars.

It would be worth while trying your cut on some scrap MDF to make sure you can follow the radius.

Thanks for the info. I will definitely try cutting som scrap. I appreciate the help.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk